Effects of glutathione on thiol redox systems, chromosomal aberrations, and the ultrastructure of meristematic root cells of Picea abies (L.) Karst.

Young spruce seedlings (Picea abies [L.] Karat.) grown in hydroponic cultur e were exposed to three different concentrations (50, 100, and 500 mu M) of reduced glutathione for 24 h. These physiologically relevant concentration s of glutathione had a multiple effect on the investigated tissue. Feeding of glutathione to roots increased the concentrations of thiols (glutathione , cysteine, and gamma-glutamyl-cysteine) in roots, decreased the rate of ce ll divisions, induced mitotic abnormalities, and affected the cell ultrastr ucture. Electron micrographs showed effects such as advanced vacuolation, d ilated rough-endoplasmic-reticulum cisternae, and separations of the plasma membrane from the cell wall.